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Travel Al Ain and UAE - Local Events

By Alexa Boyce - Al Ain was designed as a garden oasis city, and therefore attracts thousands of tourists each year who are looking for resorts and hot springs spas. However, the city stages a wide variety of social, cultural and business events. The city is home to a number of leading academic and medical facilities, which makes it a focal point for educational, research and medical meetings and conferences. Al Ain is also a hub for sports excellence in the country, especially domestic and international events organized by Al Ain Sport Club. In addition, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) organizes annual sporting events, including the Al Ain dune driving competition and Al Ain Aerobatics Show featuring the FAI World Grand Prix. The latter attracts participants and tens of thousands of spectators who pour into the city to enjoy the dare devil acrobatics stunts. These and other activities organized by governmental authorities in Al Ain city, have helped position the city on the world tourism map. I recently came across a listing of fun events that are coming up in and around Al Ain, and I wanted to share them with you.

· Tall Al Ain - Al-Sad (April 19-20, 2006) Car and Motor Bike Championship that takes place on the dunes of Al Ain.
· Al Ain National Museum (All Dates) A must-see for tourists, different events going on all year round.
· Hili Fun City (All Dates) is the largest theme park in the Gulf Region and contains more than 40 rides and attractions.
· Al Ain Ice Rink
· Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium
· Heat 4 of the UAE International Class 111 6 liter Powerboat Championship (April 21, 2006) Venue: Mina Seyahi, Dubai.
· Middle East Aquaculture and Fishing Show (April 22-25th, 2006) Hall 8 (DWTC).
· GARDENEX: Middle East Flower and Garden Show (April 22-25, 2006) Venue: Dubai International Exhibition Center.
· Middle East Poultry Show (April 22-25,2006) Hall 8 (DWTC).
· “Maktoum Cup” Traditional Rowing Race (May 5th, 2006) Venue: Dubai Creek.
· Middle East Toy Fair (May 22-24, 2006) Showcase for toys, baby products, games, books & gifts. Venue: Halls 5 & 6 (DWTC)
· Dubai Summer Surprises (June 21-September 1, 2006) Fun family and children oriented events. Venue: All around Dubai.
· Halal Dubai 2006 (September 11-13, 2006) Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai

# Posted by connie on Apr 18 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Chichen Itza & Xel-Ha

By Dana Heffernan – Guest Blogger

When my husband and I chose the Riviera Maya for our honeymoon, we were looking for a place to get away to and relax after a hectic year of wedding planning. We were pleasantly surprised by the interesting day trips available to those staying in the Riviera Maya and Cancun. We chose to take two day trips: Chichen Itza and Xel-Ha.

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city about 2 hours west of the Riviera Maya. You get there by tour bus and the day's activities will vary with each tour company. On our tour, we spent the morning at Chichen Itza, stopped for an authentic Mexican lunch and swim and then headed back to the Riviera Maya. You can take a guided tour of the main ruins of Chichen Itza or walk around on your own. I recommend the guided tour as there is now information posted at any of the ruins. However, do take time to explore as much of the ruins as you can. The city is actually several square miles and the ruins give you a picture of life during the height of the Mayan empire. The big attraction at Chichen Itza is the main temple. Usually, you are allowed to climb to the top. The view from the top of the temple is fantastic, but it is not for those afraid of heights. There is no railing at the top platform, so you do have to watch your step. During the spring and fall equinox, a celebration is held at Chichen Itza and the temple is closed to climbers. However, visitors during the equinox can stay until dusk for the celebration and to see the sun cast a "serpent" on the temple. The "serpent" only appears during the equinox due to the position of the sun and the geometry of the temple stairs. It gets very hot at the ruins and there is very little shade, so be sure to bring sunscreen, some type of protection for your head and water.

Xel-Ha is an ecological water park that is south of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. You can spend the day at Xel-Ha or have a combined tour that visits the Mayan ruins at Tulum in the morning and the Xel-Ha in the afternoon. Xel-Ha offers a variety of activities from tubing and snorkeling down the river into the inlet to kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling in the inlet to swimming with dolphins. There are also rope swings and cliff jumping spots. Since we had been to Chichen Itza, my husband and I did not go to Tulum but spent the entire day at Xel-Ha. If you like the water and enjoy snorkeling I would recommend spending the entire day at the water park. We had a wonderful day there. The fish are friendly and have the most beautiful colors I have seen outside of the Great Barrier Reef. I would highly recommend Xel-Ha and Chichen Itza if you have the time while you stay in either Cancun or the Riviera Maya. They are both worth the trip!

# Posted by michele on Mar 30 | Permalink Comments (1)

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Bordeaux Facts

By Beth Klemick

Did you know...that there are 10,000 chateaux in Bordeaux?! Bordeaux wine is named for the city and has been produced there since the 8th century. This city is known as the wine capital of the world. But did you also know that Bordeaux is one of Europe's military space and aeronautics research and construction centers? It is also a university town, with four universities devoted to natural science, medicine, liberal arts, and political sciences and law. Quite a city to check out!

# Posted by michele on Mar 29 | Permalink Comments (1)

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Machu Picchu

By Elizabeth Gregory

The ruins at Machu Picchu in Peru has been on my "must see" list since I was little and first saw the pictures of it. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to finally see them. In all honesty, pictures do not do them justice. Going from Cusco, it is about a 3-4 hour train ride. Why so long? You're actually going around the bases of the huge mountains in the Andes. There are different classes of trains which range in price and comfort. My train was the "backpacker train" and was pretty basic. Although I must admit it reminded me of an old version of what the orient express train must have looked like in its heyday (complete with small crystal chandeliers overhead and drapes on the windows).

After exiting the train, you walk a little ways to a bus that takes you up the mountain where the ruins are. Up steep switchbacks you climb until you reach the top. There you will depart from the bus and hike to the entrance. When I went, it was rainy out and we were up in the clouds practically.

Once inside, the views were spectacular. The grass was so green and alpacas were sitting on the lawn just enjoying the peacefulness. Although the tour group itself was rather large, the leader was very informative and kept the tour interesting. The ruins are quite extensive and it's hard to believe that this was once an entire city perched on a mountain.

I absolutely loved this experience. It was one of the most magical, breathtaking combinations of natural and man-made beauty I have ever seen.

# Posted by michele on Mar 28 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Mediterranean Coasts

By Beth Klemick

The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe from Africa and forms the boundary for more than a dozen nations (22 to be exact!), including Spain, France, Italy and Greece. The Mediterranean was the cradle of modern civilization, and much of that past is still preserved today. The mild climate makes for perfect beach weather, and the sky blue water is most inviting. The best time to visit is in the fall and spring. Beware in August; there are many vacationing Europeans and crowds galore. In my travels to date, I have explored, relaxed and indulged in some of Spain's and France's Mediterranean cities. Here are some brief facts and impressions.

Spain's Costa del Sol is one of the most popular haunts for vacationing tourist. What I enjoy most about this coastline are the miles of sandy beaches. Marbella is southern Spain's answer to St Tropez, but nothing beats Puerto Banus, just west of the town. This is the place to be pampered yacht-side, watch the world go by or window shop at one of many fashion boutiques or the El Corte Ingles. For nightlight there are many alfresco bars, clubs and discos to party at until dawn!

The French Rivieria became a fashionable resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and was particularly popular with the British upper class. Initially it was a winter resort, valued for its mild winter (but is never warm) and later became a summer resort. Nothing exudes glitz and glamour better than the French Riviera: Cannes, Monaco, Nice, but the beaches are less than desirable; instead of sandy the beaches are mostly pebbles and are more or less forced to rent chaise lounges.

# Posted by michele on Mar 15 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Flamenco Dance Show

By Elizabeth Gregory

Speaking from my own personal experience, I can tell you that even though dinner shows can be touristy or cheesy, they can also be amazing. One particular dinner show that comes to mind is a Flamenco dinner show that my husband and I attended in Madrid. This was the first time he had been to Spain. We had walked past the place that declared the inside was a replica of "La Alhambra" in Granada and there was a lot of advertising proclaiming the "best flamenco show in Spain". Although I had been to the real Alhambra, I had a sneaking suspicion that the inside of the venue wouldn't really be an exact replica, (just like the castle in Disney World isn’t an "exact replica" of the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany) rather something loosely based on the Alhambra. I thought it would be something fun to do one night and so talked him into it. (Not an easy task since my husband is not one for musical extravaganzas). I didn't mention it to him, but I had my doubts that it would be too touristy or unauthentic. However, we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed a wonderful cultural evening of music, dance and food.

The meal was several courses and consisted of traditional Spanish food like paella. The costumes were amazing and featured several styles of Sevillana dress. The music was varied in emotion from peppy, to sad, to seductive. The audience surprisingly was pretty varied from locals to tourists, families, couples, pretty much everyone. By the end of the show, the performers and musicians received a standing ovation and came back for 2 encores. We did not leave until almost 2 hours past when the show was supposed to end. It was great!!

I found a great website that allows you to book flamenco shows in Spain on-line: Spanish Fiestas. We attended the show at Torres Bermejas in Madrid. I highly recommend it!

# Posted by michele on Mar 14 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Airfare Deals

By Beth Klemick

As a traveler, I have no patience for packing or spending hours trying to find the best airfare. For those of you who prefer to shop around, here are some general tips. To begin your research and get an idea of fares to your destination, hit all the big travel website: Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire or Priceline to name a few. Once you find the airline(s) flying to your particular destination check out the airline’s website. Best to search and book online if you decide to go with airline directly as you will likely find better rates or discounts online verse speaking with an agent. Check back to websites frequently as rates may change daily, even hourly. And please READ the fine print, some websites for online bookings charge extra fees and have hidden costs that in essence make the "deal" you found not so hot. If at all possible, be flexible, most often the best deals are ones with multiple connections and/or and atypical flight times/hours. Remember this is just some simple advice, I wish there was a science to finding great deals, but mostly it is hit or miss. So, take a deep breath, get comfortable, dive right in and happy airfare hunting.

# Posted by michele on Mar 8 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Spring Break Travel

It's Spring Break time, and many students don't want the typical alcohol-soaked experience. So what can you do?

If you didn't give yourself enough time to find a volunteer placement, why not immerse yourself in language and culture? AmeriSpan offers language immersion programs that can last from a week to much longer. If your friends are going to Cancun to party, you could always go to Cancun too, only your experience might be much different. Travel sites for students like STA and Student Universe usually have great deals, so check them out and do something different on your Spring Break.

# Posted by michele on Mar 6 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Sightseeing In Montreal

By Elizabeth Gregory

A few vacations ago, my husband and I decided to take a drive up to Montreal for a short getaway. I had heard good things about the city, and everyone that I talked to absolutely loved their time there. Although I had been to Canada (in the Rocky Mountains and at Niagara Falls), I had not been to a big city there before. I was impressed with the diversity of the city (especially when it came to dining out). Below are some of the sights that we really enjoyed.

  • The underground city – lots of shopping and dining underground. Pretty neat in my opinion. Montreal in some areas is a city on top of a city.
  • The Biodome – This is mainly a combination of an aquarium and a zoo featuring different climate environments from around the world. My favorite were the penguins.
  • Montreal Botanical Gardens – I'm sure beautiful in the spring. Unfortunately, we were there during the first week of November and it was freezing outside. We did see some nice indoor exhibits though.
  • Old Montreal – walk around in this part of the city and you'll almost swear that you're in Paris. Good restaurants and a nice view of the waterfront. The buildings are beautiful too.
  • Hike up Mount Royal – this is how Montreal got its name. Montreal means Mount Royal. It's a nice hike (uphill mind you) and the view from the top is spectacular.
# Posted by michele on Feb 28 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Winter Olympics

The 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy end on Sunday, February 26. Let's take a look at the medal counts as of today.

Germany 9 gold, 10 silver, 5 bronze
USA 8 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze
Russia 8 gold, 4 silver, 8 bronze
Austria 8 gold, 6 silver, 5 bronze
Canada 6 gold, 8 silver, 6 bronze
Norway 2 gold, 8 silver, 8 bronze
Switzerland 4 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze
Sweden 4 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze
Italy 4 gold, 6 bronze
France 3 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze
China 2 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze
South Korea 4 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
Netherlands 3 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze
Finland 5 silver, 3 bronze
Estonia 3 gold
Czech Republic 1 gold, 2 silver
Croatia 1 gold, 1 silver
Australia 1 gold
Ukraine 2 bronze
Japan 1 gold
Belarus 1 silver
Bulgaria 1 silver
Great Britain 1 silver
Slovakia 1 silver
Latvia 1 bronze
Poland 1 bronze

# Posted by michele on Feb 24 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Flight Delays & Cancellations

Heavy snow fell from Maryland to New England over the weekend, making it difficult for many air travelers to get to where they needed to go. There really is no "best" time to fly because inclement weather occurs throughout the year. So what can you do to try to deal with flight delays and cancellations? I've done a little research and found these tips:

Take morning flights. I've found that booking morning flights means a lower liklihood for delays and cancellation, and that's generally because of the effects of inclement weather as the day goes on. If you book a morning flight, it might also be easier to get a seat on a flight leaving later that day.

Attempt to reroute connections. If you find that your connecting flight is facing delays, try to change your flight prior to that connection. This isn't always easy, of course, but if you check the weather in your connecting city before you leave for your airport, you might be able to avoid a long delay or cancellation.

Take care of your lodgings ASAP. If you find yourself unable to avoid a layover, make your calls for accommodations right away. This works if you find your connecting flight being cancelled or delayed as well. You'll have better odds finding lodging if you call ahead rather than if you wait until you get there.

Pack smart. It seems obvious, but make sure to pack your valuables and any medications you will need in your carry-on luggage. If you've already checked your bags and experience a delay or cancellation, you may not be able to get to it (it may not even be in the same city as you!), so make sure you keep what's important with you at all times.

Some Travel Links:
Independent Traveler (includes lots of great travel tips)
Flying in Europe (information on flight delays and/or cancellations in Europe)
FAA (information on flight delays and cancellations in the U.S.)
Canadian Weather Office (information on flight delays and cancellations in Canada)

# Posted by michele on Feb 13 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Women Solo Travel

By Sue Lavene

My first solo international travel experience was to Cancun in 1991. What allowed me to decide to make the trip alone rather than wait for a travel companion was: a. I had the extra money; b. I had the time off from work; c. No friends were available at the same time and d. I had the intense, deep-rooted desire to do it. I knew from the bottom of my heart that this type of travel "spoke" to me like nothing else and that I had to experience it - back then I told myself, at least once - in order to prove to myself that I could do it. And you know what? It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable, life-altering experiences I had ever had and I was extremely proud of myself for taking that plunge into the unknown.

Here are several tips to get you thinking about going it alone because believe me, it’s so worth it!

1. Pre-planned packages
Going with a tour operator or through an agent who makes all or some of the travel arrangements for you, such as language or cooking classes with lodging, etc, allows you a feeling of safety and security, around which you can plan your days. Especially when embarking on this adventure for the first time, it's a good idea to have some structure in your day and then, you can be as active, not in the physical sense, - or not – for the rest of your day as you wish. At least you wouldn't have to face arriving and saying to yourself "okay, now what?!?".

2. Establish a routine.
At least in the beginning of your trip, try to establish a routine either first thing in the morning or at some point during your day in order to ground yourself from the start. In other words, if at home, you enjoyed a morning stretch, took a walk or listened to music, try to recreate your routine in order to try to acclimate to a new environment even if you have to modify somewhat to fit your new surroundings. For example, on a recent solo trip to Guatemala, I brought several favorite books and my journal with me to several lunches in order to ease myself into my new surroundings which is something I often do at home for inspiration.

3. Create a home away from home.
Similar to the idea of establishing a routine, is setting up photos of family/friends/pets, candles and other momentos/trinkets of your life back home in your hotel room or whereever you are staying. Of course, ideally they would be lightweight and easy to pack/travel with. This will allow you some calm and grounding during your initial few days in the new country.

4. Frequenting local businesses
If you haven't been somewhere before, it is often disconcerting to be amongst unfamiliar surroundings, though this is also one of the beauties of travel. To allow yourself to find familiarity, it is helpful to go to the same locally run female-friendly restaurant or shop, for example, several days in a row. Often times, the staff will recognize you and strike up a conversation with you.

5. Eating alone
This topic often makes people uncomfortable to imagine eating alone especially if you aren't accustomed to doing so even at home. This definitely takes some practice – perhaps you can practice at home before your trip – though is well worth it to still be able to enjoy the local fare despite the fact that you have no one with whom to eat your meal. When I first started eating out alone, I found that if I had something to do or read during my meal, I was able to enjoy myself without a companion. Some examples: You can bring along a good book or two, a travel journal (to jot down your day, ideas, your meal, etc) or postcards (that you can send to friends and family or why not to yourself as well?).

Some additional resources that have helped me on the road as well as inspiration prior to planning trips include:

Books:
A Journey of One's Own: Uncommon Advice for the Independent Woman Traveler by Thalia Zepatos
A Woman’s World edited by Marybeth Bond
Gutsy Women: Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road by Marybeth Bond
Gutsy Women: More Travel Tips and Wisdom for the Road by Marybeth Bond
More Women Travel: Adventures and Advice From More Than 60 Countries a Rough Guide Special
Nothing to Declare: Memoirs of a Woman Traveling Alone by Mary Morris
(This author's solo trip around Latin America)

Websites:
Women Travel Tips
Journey Woman (a very fun site!)
Independent Traveler (includes a message board)
Fodors
Student Travel

# Posted by michele on Feb 10 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Budget Travel Abroad

It was recently released by the The EIU that Oslo, Norway has replaced Tokyo, Japan as the world's most expensive city. When searching for the least expensive cities in the world, I found some information from the Cost of Living Survey by Mercer Human Resources.

So, without further ado, I give you the world's ten least expensive cities (with links to our programs).

The World's Least Expensive Cities, 2005
10. San José, Costa Rica
9. Karachi, Pakistan
8. Quito, Ecuador
7. Chennai (Madras), India
6. Caracas, Venezuela
5. Montevideo, Uruguay
4. Bangalore, India
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
2. Manila, Philippines
1. Asunción, Paraguay

# Posted by michele on Feb 6 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Traveling Abroad With Pets

By Sue Lavene

From time to time, our clients contact us wanting to bring along their dogs on their study abroad adventure. Looking at this request through the partial eyes of a lover of dogs, I am always stuck in a quandary as to how to advise them knowing full well that I'd probably at least contemplate the same. I mean, come on, they're our unconditional life companions! Who wouldn't want to be greeted by our faithful and furry friends with soulful eyes at the end of a long day? On a recent road trip to Cape Cod, we brought our dog along and one of the most heartwarming moments of that trip was seeing her loving face - and wagging tail - waiting for us to return.

However, forgetting for a moment our intense desire to bring him/her along, there are many issues at hand especially when traveling internationally. It is best to plan in advance for this as there is a lot to consider:

1. Airlines: Be sure to check with your airline with plenty of advance notice for current requirements including weight limitations, kind of carrier allowed, whether there’s room on your specific flights, etc. Airlines often have a maximum number of pets per flight and if all else is prepared for this endeavor, if there's no room on your flight, you have to make other arrangements.

2. Pet's Health: It is extremely important when anticipating traveling with your pet to schedule a visit with your vet to discuss whether he/she feels your pet is healthy enough to travel. You'll want a current, comprehensive check-up including double checking whether his/her immunizations are up-to-date, obtaining a copy of your pet's health record and other health documents for entry and inquiring about travel-sickness pills, etc for the flight.

The altitude, close quarters of the flight and new experience – not to mention the period of acclimation once arriving into the country - are enough to rattle even a young dog, let alone an older one. You might also want to ask your vet to recommend a veterinary colleague in your destination country in case you need care upon arrival.

One other bit of information to keep in mind is that you shouldn't travel with your pet in extremes of weather, too cold or too hot. Even if the weather is fine, a dog in a carrier in the cargo area (i.e., with passengers' luggage) waiting on the ground during a delay can get too hot.

3. Entry Requirements: Make sure you contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country at least 4 weeks prior to your trip to see what their pet importation regulations are. Some countries require a long quarantine period, other will only accept pets at certain airports while others have rigid standards for containers. After figuring out the airport you will be flying to, check on national/local holidays during which customs may be closed. You wouldn't want your pet denied access upon entry after all of your preparations. Also, when traveling within the EU, you might just need a pet passport! You should also find out how close to your departure date required vaccinations and veterinarian tests and examination are needed.

4. Pet's Emotional Health: Just because your dog is a pleasure to have around at home, it doesn't mean he/she is well suited for travel away from home. According to Pets On The Go, "Dogs that lock all four legs when invited to jump in the car or cats that hide under the bed when their carrier appears are not going to be very happy traveling to a hotel. Some pets are homebodies that prefer the comfort of their bed to life on the road." Or if your dog is aggressive, anxious or likes to bark at home, please leave him/her at home.

5. Carrier: You must consider carriers when planning to bring along your pet. Some things to think about are airline requirements, your pet's size (they should be able to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably throughout the flight) and ease of carrying. Before traveling, it is very important that you introduce your pet to the carrier so he/she can get used to it before the flight.

6. Identification: Make sure your pet as well as the carrier are well marked with the pet's name (with your last name), address and phone number, just in case!

7. Your Host: This can include a hotel/motel, homestay, apartment, etc. Wherever you will be staying in your destination country, you will need to ask your host(s) if dogs are allowed. Often times, there are hotels/motels that accept pets, sometimes for an extra fee and on certain floors. However, if your dog is one that does not take to new environments too easily, you might be better off leaving him home than have him super anxious, ripping up the carpets or bed linens, biting/hurting your host, having accidents, etc. Even a usually calm dog can become mean when feeling threatened or disoriented from new surroundings.

8. Country of Origin: Before leaving home, contact your own country's state department to see what documentation is required for re-entry with your pet.

This is only some of what you need to think about before taking your dog with you on your trip. Especially if you are going abroad for a short period of time, it might be worthwhile just to find a trustworthy pet sitter and leave your dog at home in his/her own environment.

Nevertheless, if you do decide to bring your dog with you, here are some online resources on the subject to make a more informed decision:

Pets Welcome
This is a great one to check out for flight requirements from some of the larger carriers and international pet regulations by continent.

The Humane Society of the US
Always a great place to look for information!

Pets On The Go
Pet-friendly lodging

The International Air Transport Association

Pet Travel
For pet immigration and quarantine information

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

US State Department

Pet Place
An all-around fun and informative site about dogs and cats

# Posted by michele on Feb 2 | Permalink Comments (0)

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Reduce Jet Lag when Traveling Abroad

By Elizabeth Gregory

Just about everyone who has flown across at least 3 time zones has experienced jet lag. Supposedly it takes one full day per time zone for your body to fully adjust. This means that if you're flying from New York to Paris, you will need about 6 days to be adjusted. Not a good thing if you’re on a quick 3-4 day trip. Although jet lag is different for everyone, the symptoms of jet lag can be physical and mental.

Here are some tips on how to reduce the jet lag you experience:

  • Set your watch to the new time in advance.
  • Try to eat and sleep on the new schedule a day or two in advance if possible.
  • Only sleep on the plane if it's night at the new destination.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • There are differing opinions about sleeping or staying up when you get to your destination. If you are really tired, a short power nap might help. Don't nap too long or you may feel worse.

Flyana had some interesting facts. I was stunned to find out that airplane cabin air is dryer than a desert and that meals are served at times that will increase your jetlag.

We'd love to hear any tips that you have...

# Posted by michele on Jan 24 | Permalink Comments (0) | TrackBack (4)

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Elections in Chile

By Beth Klemick

My original blog entry today was to cover the structure of the European Union; instead I wanted to write about a more current event that occurred this past Sunday in Chile. Michelle Bachelet became the first elected female chief executive officer in Latin America. Her political rise and election as Chile's first female President is unique. President-elect Michelle Bachelet is the fifth female President in Latin America, but she is the first female in Latin American political history whose rise to power was not linked to a powerful husband. Latin America has seen four female leaders: Violeta Chamorro in Nicaragua, Janet Jagan in Guyana, and Mireya Moscoso in Panama; all three of these women obtained political influence and power via the deaths of their husbands and the political positions they held. Lastly in history, who could forget Maria Estela Isabel Peron, who served a disastrous stint as chief executive after the death of her husband, Argentine President Juan Peron, in 1974.

Michelle Bachelet is a physician and single mother of three, and she has endured much strife. Her father, who was a general in the Air Force and sympathized with Salvador Allende's democratically elected leftist government, was arrested and tortured during the Pinochet-led coup in September 1973. He died in custody then Michelle and her mother were subsequently arrested. While in exile both she and her mother were active in the Chilean opposition movement.

Michelle Bachelet will be sworn in for her four-year term on March 11. She won nearly 54% of the vote, based on a tally from more than 97% of polling stations, as quoted by the government Electoral Service.

# Posted by michele on Jan 18 | Permalink Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

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AmeriSpan Blogger Discount

Write for the AmeriSpan Blog and Receive a Program Discount

If you are studying for at least 4 weeks, write for the AmeriSpan blog while abroad and receive a 5% retroactive rebate on your program upon your return.

Minimum 3 entries per week, 350 words per entry. Entries will be posted the same or the next day.

If you're interested, you need to apply to be a blogger at least 4 weeks before your program starts. AmeriSpan will select the writers, and you will be informed before you leave for your program if you've been selected as an AmeriSpan blog writer.

Check out our official site for complete details.

# Posted by michele on Jan 16 | Permalink Comments (12) | TrackBack (8)

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Cordoba Travel : Getting There

By Connie Marianacci
There are various options for traveling to Cordoba, and they all range in price and length.

By Plane
You can take a plane to Santiago de Chile and then directly to Cordoba from the same international airport or take a plane to Buenos Aires and then directly to Cordoba.

The difference between these two is that in the Buenos Aires option, you have to take a private bus from Ezeiza Airport (international airport where you arrive) to Aeroparque Airport (national airport) where the plane Buenos Aires - Cordoba departs.

It is actually quite easy to take the private bus from one airport to another, there are two companies available: Manuel Tienda Leon and "Transfer Express" which take about 1 hour to arrive to the Aeroparque airport.

Still, if you may choose, going through Santiago de Chile is more convenient.

By Bus
If you want to travel economically and save some money, you may go to Cordoba by Bus. There are buses leaving Retiro Station very often during the day and at night(service hours may range from 6:00 am until 12:00 am). To get to Retiro Station from the airport, you may also take the private busses mentioned above.

You can buy the ticket once you arrive to the station and you will not have a problem regarding availability unless you travel during a peak traveling date like Friday before Christmas or another holiday similar.

The buses are very comfortable; you could compare them to the first class seating at the airplane. My suggestion is to catch the bus at night so you can sleep all the way through to Cordoba. If you travel during the day it does get a little bit long.

Here is an article from the virtual tourist that gives a little bit more details that can help you:

Retiro & San Nicolas : Retiro Bus Terminal :
The Retiro Bus Terminal is the point of departure and arrival of all bus going to and from all town of Argentina! You will find there hundreds of bus companies (called "empresa") offering transportation to several destinations limited by a region or to the biggest towns of the country (Cordoba, Mendoza, etc). The tickets can be purchased in advance or the day itself (but not too late to be sure to have a seat) at the desks ("boletarias") on the first floor. They are classified by region...so go directly to the desks covering the region where you want to go. To go to the North of Argentina (Iguazu), I took "Express Singer", it was a very great company. There is also Express Tigre Iguazu. The long and night travels in a bus are very pleasant if you choose a cama or semi-cama seat. Don't worry for the food, the "cena" (evening meal with bread, cheese, ham, empanadas and a desert) and the breakfast (media luna with cafe) are included in the travel price of the ticket!!! According to the time, the bus and the company, the clean aspect of toilets on board can be different. It is better to take toilet paper with ;-) And also depending of the destination, you can received a cushion and a blanket. But what is sure, is that you will have the occasion to see minimum two films! Maybe you will not understand everything (sound is very low), but there are often subtitles (in Spanish) to help you... Finally, the bus is a really practical and cheap way to travel around in Argentina : a 1500 km travel costs between 80 and 100 pesos(20-25 euros)!!! Nearest Subte (metro-)station : Retiro than straight ahead... the bus terminal is after the train station.

from VirtualTourist.

# Posted by michele on Jan 10 | Permalink Comments (19) | TrackBack (29)

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Travel Japan : Japanese Rail Travel

By Beth Klemick

If you ever have the opportunity to travel in Japan travel by rail, it is an experience not to be missed. Since Japan operates the world's most efficient rail service, travel by rail will allow you enjoy, sightsee and experience a lot of the country even on a limited schedule.

I recommend traveling on the high-speed Shinkansen system of bullet trains. Did you know that in almost 40 years since this transportation network first opened it has carried approximately 6 billion passengers without a single serious accident?! The bullet trains are most known for their speed traveling at 270-300 kilometers per hour (168-186 mph). Life does whiz by but you can still take in and enjoy the incredible sights like Mount Fuji. The bullet trains also run frequently, for example, there are 6 trains per hour that run between Osaka and Tokyo. That is 6 trains per hour not day! Japan is an amazing cultural experience, steeped in ancient traditions to electric cities and boast by far the most modern, clean and efficient public transportation.

# Posted by michele on Jan 5 | Permalink Comments (27) | TrackBack (52)

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International Cell Phones

By Connie Marianacci

It is very comfortable to take your cell phone everywhere you travel and for it to work.
There are actually a few options available:
1) You may check with your local provider to make your roaming available at the country you are traveling to.
2) You may buy a local SIM card when you arrive to the host country and have a local number.
3) You may rent a local cell phone.

Please note that the options may vary depending on the country you travel.

Roaming
This option is the most expensive both for receiving and making calls either to your home country or localy at the host country. You would maintain your original phone number at all times including the country and state code.

Local SIM Card
This option is the cheapest option but not available in all the countries; please check if it is available in the country you are traveling to. To be able to do this there are a few requirements you would need to take into consideration.

1) Cell Phone Bandwith
The cell phone bandwith is "the capacity of a telecom line to carry signals. A greater bandwidth indicates the ability to transmit a greater amount of data over a given period of time." (Mobile Media).
There are four different types of bandwiths used throughout the world, 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 Mhz, and each country is set up to work with at least one of them. (Kropla)

Bandwiths divided by continent:
North America: 859 Mhz, 1900 Mhz
Europe: 900 Mhz, 1800 Mhz
South America: 1900 Mhz

Note: There are countries that are exceptions to these figures, please check bandwiths for specific countries at GSM World

2) Cell Phone Lock
When you buy a cellphone, it is "locked" by your telephone provider so you may only use it with that provider. Some cell phone models come with the option of buying them unlocked and the cost is quite different. You may unlock your cell phone at some stores that sell cell phones either at your home country or your host country. You may also find this service available on internet stores. This will allow you to use a SIM card from any provider in that phone.

3) Prepaid SIM Card
When traveling for a short period of time, you want to find a prepaid SIM Card which you buy at the host country. The charge per minute is normally more expensive than if you called form a Plan Set SIM Card but this is your only option if you do not have a permanent address at the host country.

RENTING
This option might not be available in all the countries and the cost is normally very expensive.

All in all, please do a search online to see what you find on this matter since tecnology is quickly improoving and I have already seen other options that might be also interested but I have not tried myself.

# Posted by michele on Jan 4 | Permalink Comments (10) | TrackBack (19)

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Travel Money

By Beth Klemick

One of my least favorite things about preparing for an upcoming trip is figuring out how much money to bring along and in what forms (for example: cash, debit card, credit card, travelers checks). This isn't always an easy task, especially if you are very unfamiliar with the destination you will be traveling to.

I typically end up bringing along a combination of US dollars (easiest currency to exchange) and US dollar-denominated travelers checks. Travelers checks as a form of currency have a plus and minus side. One downside is that not every establishment will accept travelers checks. Another is the exchange process is typically more involved and usually will entail having to go to bank and provide your original passport, not a copy. The downside is not so much having to go to the bank but dealing with the banking hours in many countries, which is not as "customer service" oriented as here in the United States. If you are staying a high-end hotel they may be able to exchange travelers checks as well. The plus side is if your travelers checks are lost or stolen they are insured and you can recoup the losses, very important to copy down the serial numbers and give them to a friend or family member who will not traveling with you.

In addition to or in lieu of cash and/or travelers checks I may also travel with a credit/debit card. A credit card can be your back up "just in case" emergency form of currency. Debit cards that are on the Cirrus or Plus system (MasterCard/Visa) are widely accepted at many foreign bank machines (ATMs). Please check first prior to departing to see if there are banking machines in your destination compatible with your card.

MasterCard/Cirrus Worldwide ATM Locator

Visa/PLUS Worldwide ATM Locator

If you plan to travel with a credit/debit card, especially for long periods of time and/or while being in multiple travel destinations it is good idea to contact your bank/credit card company to inform them of your travels. Keeping them informed, depending on your bank, may avoid the possibility of a hold or freeze on your account. Some banks will place a hold or freeze on your account based on their suspicion that fraudulent activity is occurring on your card/account since you will not be in destinations that are seen on a frequent basis. Also if using a debit card it is very important to remember the numerical pin number, most ATM machines abroad do not have letters. I am guilty of this. I must admit the first time I traveled to Europe I was naive and let's just say thank goodness I was traveling with a friend. Live and learn.

# Posted by michele on Dec 21 | Permalink Comments (12) | TrackBack (11)

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Rail Travel Europe

By Elizabeth Gregory

I have never rented a car in Europe. Train travel is the easiest way to get around in my opinion. I have traveled through multiple countries on a Eurail pass and have also bought in-country train passes for long distance travel within that country. This is what I did several years ago. Eurail passes come with many options. You can pick several days of travel within 2 or 3 months as well as other combinations of limited countries. The most important thing to remember is that they must be purchased in advance in the US. You will not be able to buy a Eurail pass in Europe. You may be able to get a similar pass but will pay much more than if you purchase in advance. Most travel agents can sell Eurail passes. The best part is that 17 countries participate in the Eurail program. This means your pass is good on most trains (some exclusions of subways, etc) in the following countries:

Sweden
Finland
Norway
Spain
Portugal
Denmark
France
Germany
Ireland
The Netherlands
Belgium
Greece
Italy
Switzerland
Austria
Hungary
Luxembourg

If you're not planning on traveling around all of Europe, you can usually get passes good for several days (at a discounted rate) in the country on the major train netoworks. I have done this in Germany and have also traveled the rail systems for several days in France and Spain. You can find good information on one country train travel on RailEurope. Youth pass prices are also available.

Happy travels!

# Posted by michele on Dec 20 | Permalink Comments (19) | TrackBack (19)

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Travel Luggage

By Connie Marianacci

Packing is normally left for the last minute, usually the night before departure. You normally want to take everything possible and not even your current suitcase can hold all you want to take. Reality is, you never use all you have packed so what I do is first choose the luggage and then sort out what will be able to fit in it. In that way you control yourself in what you are taking.

So, when choosing luggage, I first think how I will be moving around at my destination and how many stairs I will probably have to go through until arriving to what I will be calling home for the next few weeks. After that I can really picture the size of the backpack I will take.

From my experience, the best thing is to travel light. This means traveling with a strong suitcase with big wheels, a comfortable handle and that you are able to take it up the stairs without trouble. I have found all these requirements in the last suitcase I bought.

If is about 530 x 1060 high, 24". It has very good quality wheels and a comfortable handle that pulls of the top to carry it. The handle is strong and thick which gives you assurance that it is not going to break. The best part is, that at the bottom of the suitcase you can take out straps so you use the suitcase as a back pack! And to top this off, mine came with an additional backpack to be able to put all my carry-on stuff in.

If traveling to Europe: this is your best choice since you will definitely what to choose public transportation upon your arrival since taxis are so expensive.

If traveling to South America: taxis are quite cheap so you may do OK with a big suitcase. On the other hand, once there you will want to travel to other cities and a right size suitcase would be the best option.

# Posted by michele on Dec 14 | Permalink Comments (4) | TrackBack (7)

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Traveling Abroad : Airport Screening

By Beth Klemick

On a recent trip abroad I had a layover in Frankfurt, Germany. As I deplaned completely jet-lagged and exhausted I headed straight to the café for coffee. I was a little discombobulated and noticed that it was soon time for my flight to depart to my final destination and I still had to go through security again, so I got my coffee to go, yes, very American. As I proceeded to set my bag on the conveyor belt at security one of the security screeners gave me a smaller sized plastic container which I thought was for my shoes! While taking off my shoes, I was thinking how nice it was in Germany that they made a container specifically for your shoes. The screener was a bit shocked, but nonetheless amused and said, "you're from the United States, aren't you?" He then explained that the container was for my coffee. Frequent or infrequent travelers going through airport security in the United States will encounter "taking off the shoes" before going through the detector, but as the German security screener asked me "is it necessary?" Best to go to the source, according to the Transportation Security Administration.

You are not required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. However, TSA screeners may encourage you to remove them before entering the metal detector, as many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.

Footwear that screeners will encourage you to remove because they are likely to require additional screening:

  • Boots
  • Platform shoes (including platform flip-flops)
  • Footwear with a thick sole or heel (including athletic shoes)
  • Footwear containing metal (including many dress shoes)
Footwear that screeners are less likely to suggest you remove includes:
  • "Beach" flip-flops
  • Thin-soled sandals (without metal)

Tip: Since a thorough screening includes x-ray inspection of footwear, wearing footwear that is easily removable helps to speed you through the screening process.

Happy and safe travels this Holiday Season!

# Posted by michele on Dec 7 | Permalink Comments (9) | TrackBack (18)

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Travel Purchases

By Beth Klemick

The other day I was taking inventory of the various knick-knacks and purchases around my apartment; I have accrued many items from my world travels that are proudly displayed and even worn to date. For the most part, all of my purchases have been ones I look back fondly and only a few that still have me pondering what was I thinking? Everyone has different tastes, styles and interests about these types of purchases. Personally, I tend to opt for uniqueness with my travel purchases.

While in Madrid I splurged on a jacket that I knew I certainly would not be able to find across the Atlantic, at least not for another year or so. Fashion trends in Europe are more advanced and up to date, and by the time we get around to experiencing a trend it is already so passé in the fashion world. My all time favorite store abroad is Mango. I became a Mango junkie thanks to my very good Dutch friend, and whenever I travel, especially in Europe, I seek the store out immediately.

There have been times that I have regretted not getting a particular purchase while traveling. While visiting Jaipur, the famous "pink city" of India, a friend and I took a tour of a silk factory and store. The staff on hand was extremely welcoming and took the time to dress each of us in traditional saris. After taking a few pictures of each other, I pondered buying my luxurious green embroidered sari and eventually declined. At that particular time I believe I made the right decision, but now looking back on pictures of the beautiful fabric I do regret not making that purchase. My mom regrets that I did not buy her one of the silk rugs. Eight years ago I had no idea what a silk rug from India would cost in the United States; eight years later she still reminds about how I could have gotten her a beautiful rug for half the cost. Live and learn.

My all time favorite purchase was and wasn't a physical item. I purchased an exquisite soapstone and onyx chess set in Mombasa, Kenya. The best part of that purchase was not only receiving the detailed history of the vendor's life and family but was also the ability to give a gift to them. Joseph was very proud of his craftsmanship, like in many less developed countries, goods and necessities are few and far between. He was not as concerned about the monetary aspect of the purchase but curious to know if I had things like socks, markers/crayons, toothpaste, paper, and so on to exchange with him for the chess set. The next day I returned with $18.00, 6 pairs of white tennis socks, a tube of Colgate, a packet of blue Bic pens and one 200-sheet notebook, Joseph's face lit up like a Christmas tree. With a big smile and a hug he thanked me profusely for the items, especially for the pens and notebook paper because his six-year old son loved to draw and handed me the chess set. I have seen chess sets similar to the one I gave my father from my travels to Africa selling for hundreds of dollars; this particular chess set was a unique and priceless gift to me as well.

# Posted by michele on Nov 23 | Permalink Comments (75) | TrackBack (21)

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Travel Shopping

I just found a really cool website that sells travel necessities (and luxuries!):
Flight 001

From luggage to things to keep you entertained while you travel, Flight 001 has something for every budget. According to the website, the company was conceived by two business travelers who thought travel shopping ought to be as easy as traveling itself. They've been featured in lots of popular magazines (check out As Seen In) and there is even a holiday section for great gift ideas.

# Posted by michele on Nov 21 | Permalink Comments (4) | TrackBack (13)

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Travel Safety

By Beth Klemick

Is Mexico safe? How safe is Egypt? Am I going to be safe in Paris?

I have found the most common question about safety abroad is one of the most difficult to answer, even by the most experienced traveler. There is no tried and true answer to the age-old safety question; in fact, these days there are probably more questions about safety than answers. Safety is a key factor to be taken into consideration when planning your travels. Although anyone you ask will never be able to guarantee your safety, talk to as many people who have traveled to your destination. Those who have spent time and experienced the destination can provide insight into your destination and reveal helpful tips and possible areas/situations to avoid altogether. Here is a list of general precautions to adhere to in any travel destination:

  • Do not walk alone after dark on deserted streets. Do not walk alone at night period, and this applies to men and women!
  • Make sure your luggage is locked when traveling by bus or airplane. Don't leave unlocked valuables in your hotel room.
  • Protect your valuables, especially in crowded places (don't wear expensive jewelry, don't carry cameras loosely around your neck, find a good way to conceal your money, etc.) Best to leave anything of value at home.
  • Use general precaution against theft of personal belongings and rental cars.
  • Always carry your passport or a copy; sometimes the police will check your passport.

For complete and current travel conditions and advisories in your particular travel destination, please refer to the US Department of State's website. It is a good idea to read these travel advisories, but don't let them or a guidebook be the only source of your information; gather as many sources as possible. This isn't going to guarantee your safety, but it can make you more vigilant of situations that may arise.

# Posted by michele on Nov 16 | Permalink Comments (40) | TrackBack (20)

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Travel Portugal - Part 1

Whenever I search for cheap airfare or hotels on the internet, I'm always annoyed by how long the process takes. There are so many different websites dedicated to travel bargains that it's difficult for me to stop at just one because I always think a better deal can be found.

Well, enter OneTime, literally a one-stop shop for travel deals. All you do is enter your destination information and check the sites you wish to search, and OneTime does the rest. If you don't want to deal with lots of pop-ups (each travel site opens in a new window), OneTime allows you select each site individually. Personally, I'm not a fan of pop-ups, but there's something so cool about nine windows opening at once to find the best deal for me.

Happy Searching!

# Posted by michele on Nov 7 | Permalink Comments (21) | TrackBack (48)

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International Arts & Crafts

Arts and crafts refer to anything made with one’s own hands, a skill. It doesn’t matter what the medium is that the crafter or artist chooses to use as each piece is made from the heart, involving a soulful expression of self. With each country’s own culture, attitude and life experience, what becomes is a special uniqueness in the eyes of the world, an honest expression of one’s world, thoughts and experiences.

With all that differentiates people around the world, arts and crafts are one thing that breaks all barriers and transcends cultures. By looking at what each culture hand crafts, you are seeing into their soul, their story, their outlook, their life. Hence, arts and crafts can be a very powerful expression of self.

Here are some of my favorite crafts as seen around the world:

1. Matryushka Dolls (Russia)
These wooden nesting dolls have a special meaning for me because my great grandparents, who were born in Russia, gave them to me when I was a little girl. As an adult, all I have to do is pick up one of these painted figures and instantaneously be transported back in time!

I read several different stories on its origin, and the one I like the best comes from Russian Crafts:

"In old Russia, the name Matryona or Matriosha was a very popular female name among the common people. Scholars say this name has a Latin root "mater", meaning "Mother". This name was associated with the image of a mother of a big peasant family who was very healthy and had a portly figure.

Subsequently, it became a symbolic name and was used specially to create brightly painted wooden dolls in such a way that they could be taken apart to reveal smaller dolls fitting inside one another."

2. Barro Negro aka Black Pottery (Mexico)
The town of San Bartolo Coyotepec in Oaxaca state is well known for their handcrafting of black pottery, a special procedure for which was developed by Dona Rosa, whose son, Valentin still carries on this tradition at the Alfareria Dona Rosa. The present day pottery, which is shiny, smooth and black, should be used for decoration only and not for cooking or serving as its light grayish brown utilitarian predecessor.

The large shop has 4 sides of shelving all well-stocked with hundreds of pieces of black pottery for sale. There’s a large pile of urns, like the ones that carried mescal, located on the grassy area in the middle of the store. You can watch Valentin demonstrate how the black pottery is made and take some great pictures of him and his pottery, as I did in November 2003.

I enlarged and framed my photo of him making a vase with clay everywhere and have it displayed at home on my wall above where my own two pieces of black pottery are sitting. It’s a very inspiring display, reminding me of my trip.

More information about black pottery and Dona Rosa can be found at TomZap.

3. Haiku (Japan)
I have stretched this topic a bit to include this traditional Japanese poetry because it’s so reminiscent of my elementary school days in Language Arts class! What’s really fascinating about this particular art form, originating in the Middle Ages, is that some of the best Haiku poems describe everyday situations in a brand new and exciting way.

As random as they sometimes seem, haikus are very consistent in Japanese, with 5, 7 and then 5 syllables in 3 separate phrases, each complimenting the others. In English, though, the number of syllables is not so consistent, hence changing the sound of the flow. Another rule of thumb is that the phrases cannot rhyme.

If you haven’t seen this type of poetry since you were young, like me, here's an example of what's known as "urban haiku":

Silence--a strangled
telephone has forgotten
that it should ring

It's comically refreshing, is it not?!?

For more haiku poems, including some that are reflected in really neat (in an engagingly spooky way!) black & white photos, look for "Photo Haiku" at Haiku Poet's Hut.

4. Balcones or Casitas (Colombia & Venezuela)
These adorable 3-dimensional wooden models that depict scenes from typical Latin American houses are my absolute favorite craft around! They are part of the miniature world that secretly inspires me. Often hung on a wall, they depict a typical scene of a patio, balcony, window, doorway or interior room with a fireplace called chimeneas.

After the wood is assembled, the model is painted, then the finishing decorative pieces are attached, such as floor and roof tiles, wood stairs, old style tiny wood windows and clay pots and hanging baskets with flowers.

5. Photography (Everywhere!)
Even though photography is generally seen as an "art", it brings with it more considerations than many typical arts and crafts because it affects people directly, especially when snapping photos of the local people while traveling.

Even local photographers need to have a level of sensitivity when photographing their own. Jim Kane, founder of Culture Xplorers and avid photographer, describes the process as "Culturally Sensitive Photography" and gives us eight guidelines to consider when photographing people that you can even use photographing your own country.

As you shoot your own personal portfolio of photos throughout the years, you can start to notice how your own sense of photography style is developing; after shooting lots of the same types of photos and applying your personality to them, your style emerges. Since I’m a contemplative sort of person by nature, I tend to take more pictures of the subtle nuances of life when I travel, from potted flowers and plants and a row of colorful fruit displayed at a fruit stand to a construction guy napping in a wheelbarrow and a small child innocently feeding birds in the park.

Since photography is one of my passions, I thought I'd share what's worked for me for better photos on the road:

  • Bring more rolls of film than you plan on using and don't be afraid to use them! You may not return to your destination for a long time; why not capture as much of the daily life as you can while you are there?
  • Take the rolls out of their boxes and put them all in a clear baggie for the purposes of check-in at the airport (see next tip).
  • Even if you are going through only one airport checkpoint, politely(!) insist that the X-ray official to check your camera and film by hand rather than scanning it through the X-ray (even if they say it’s harmless!).
  • Take pictures from different angles, getting down low to the ground to take a picture of a child or higher up as necessary.
  • Be willing to take off-centered photos. It’s really liberating; you’d be surprised!
  • When taking a landscape picture, scan the horizon horizontally and snap picture after picture in smaller segments to be pieced together (when they're processed) to get a more expansive feel. It’s a great display for a scrapbook!
  • When you get home, photos developed, pick out your favorite or two, enlarge and frame them (Target has an enlarger and it's pretty reasonably priced!) and then display them in your house as a daily reminder of your trip abroad.
  • Or better yet, make a scrapbook of the whole trip if you have time (at least commit to doing one page, it’ll usually progress to more!). One of my favorite websites to find inspiring scrapbook layouts and general scrapbooking tips is Creating Keepsakes. Happy scrapping!
  • There are lots more helpful travel photography tips, compliments of Fodor's.

So, the next time you are looking for a different kind of travel, how about a trip planned around crafts, following your heart from country to country in search of the hand-made wonders that each culture has to offer?



By Sue Lavene
# Posted by michele on Oct 4 | Permalink Comments (55) | TrackBack (78)

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Travel Health - Part 2

Of course, there are many reasons why we travel. Some of us long for the excitement and "newness" of a country other than our own, some decide to leave behind their every day lives for a while, others want to learn a new language, take cooking or dance classes abroad, while others go in search of higher meaning or life fulfillment. Regardless of what your specific goals are, one thing’s for sure. You’ve got to take care of yourself while on the road so your experience can be as problem-free as possible.

While on the Road

One of my previous articles, Eating Around the World, was about trying the local fare at food stands abroad, specifically in Oaxaca, Mexico. I described the fun and cultural benefits of eating local food in that setting. When deciding to indulge, however, one fact remains true: You must take certain precautions when deciding to "dig in" to avoid later health consequences, some of these prior to your departure (see: Healthy Travels – Part 1). That was just one example of where you should heed caution. There are an infinite number of other ways to take care of your health upon arrival in your adopted country:

1. Jet Lag
According to According to Aviation-Health, most passengers experience jet lag after trips of over 3 hours either East or West. The main cause of jet lag is the disruption of the body’s internal clock. What happens is that your body is thrown out of sync because it experiences light and dark at different times in the new location. Another contributing factor is the lack of oxygen in the pressurized cabin of an aircraft. Symptoms vary from person to person and can include: Extreme fatigue, insomnia, upset stomach, aches/pains, irritability and disorientation.

One way to lessen the effects of jet lag, according to SleepDisorderChannel, is to get plenty of sleep prior to your flight and avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, all of which are associated with restless sleep. Also, by trying to adapt to the new time zone by setting your watch to that time as soon as you leave home, you may try to minimize the effects of jet lag.

Another useful strategy for easier eastbound travel, according to SleepDisorderChannel, is to take a daytime flight.

"If a traveler flies eastward by several time zones during the day, they may arrive at their destination in the middle of the afternoon (home time) and in the middle of the evening (local time). For example, if they leave Boston at 10am on a flight to London, they will arrive in London at 9:30pm, GMT. However, their body clock tells them it’s only 4:30 EST. They should try to go to sleep at a normal time in the new time zone. If a traveler needs to take an evening eastbound flight, they will arrive in the middle of the night (home time). In this case, immediate rest helps. They should try to sleep for a few hours when they arrive and then try to stay up until bedtime. For most people, westward travel is easier to adapt to than eastward travel. This is probably because it is generally easier to elongate one’s day by staying up later, than to try to shorten one’s day by going to sleep earlier."

You may find this and more information on the subject at SleepDisorderChannel.

2. Altitude Acclimatization
Even healthy travelers can experience altitude sickness when quickly ascending to altitudes above 8,000 – 9,000 feet. Some common less serious symptoms include: nausea, poor concentration, headache and difficulty sleeping. More information about this phenomenon can be found at FamilyDoctor.

3. Emotional Health
No matter how old you are, sometimes you feel homesickness upon arrival at your destination. It doesn’t usually happen right away. First you might feel lots of euphoria and excitement about your surroundings however, as you settle in, you might experience "culture shock", including feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, lack of confidence or insecurity. Please be aware that this can happen even if you have traveled extensively and are a well-seasoned traveler.

Some ways to help with those sometimes-intense feelings of displacement include:

  • Write your feelings in a journal to help with perspective and as a cathartic exercise of acknowledgement and honor.
  • Be gentle, understanding and patient with yourself while you adjust to your new environment. It’s going to take time, more for some than others.
  • Write about your travels and send them as email diary entries to your friends/family.
  • Get more involved in your new surroundings to keep busy.
  • Eat well, sleep lots and relax often, perhaps more than normal.
  • Reflect on your reasons for travel.

It might also be helpful if you bring along a small photo album with pictures of your family, friends and pets. Or how about bringing along some favorite, inspiring greeting cards or letters that others have given you that you can place around your room? They are easy to pack, light to carry, and seem to help quite a bit to take the edge off of uneasy feelings from being outside of your comfort zone. And as Julia Kalish, Certified Nutritionist and Health Coach, in the article Ten Secrets to Healthy Traveling recommends, indulge in primary food.

"Primary food is the food that feeds the soul! It doesn't come on a plate, but comes in the form of hugs, touch, kisses, warmth, massage, meditation, fun, nature, hot baths, close friends, and anything else you can think of that feeds your hunger for living. The more primary food you receive, the less you need to depend on secondary food (the food that comes on a plate)."

Okay, I don’t necessarily recommend going out and touching and kissing strangers but maybe in the travel scene, that "touch" or "kiss" can come from emailing or receiving email (or a letter) from a loved one!

4. Drinking The Water
I would definitely recommend bottled water even to brush your teeth at least until getting the okay from local school staff that you can drink the water. According to the ISEP, carbonated bottled water and soft drinks, beer, wine, tea and coffee are usually uncontaminated. Furthermore, where water is contaminated, ice is also contaminated. Alcohol in a drink does not sterilize water or ice cubes.

While in Antigua, Guatemala, I initially used bottled water to brush my teeth for a couple of days until learning that it is considered safe in Antigua because of the large amount of chlorine! Then, I rinsed my mouth with tap water, still not drinking it (because I usually don’t like the taste of tap water, anyway, even at home). In smaller, more remote towns unless you hear otherwise, definitely drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. You can never be too careful!

5. Your Diet
This is always a challenging self-care issue on the road where food products that you are used to at home are not readily available. Some people need to avoid certain foods because of high blood pressure, diabetes or other medical conditions while others keep a more rigid approach to eating in a daily attempt to stay healthy.

However, there are those of us who are continuously in the “diet” mode, even subconsciously, and are used to unknowingly labeling foods as either "good" or "bad". This type of thinking might make it harder to adjust to the different types of foods available on the road. You may not see the plethora of fat-free, sugar-free and salt-free options that we have at home, especially when you travel outside of the larger cities to rural areas.

Certified Nutritionist, Julia Kalish, recommends that you enjoy the food that you decide to eat.

"No matter what foods you decide to eat while on vacation, eat without fear, worry, or guilt. The anxiety produced over "bad" food choices can be more damaging than the food itself. Express gratitude for the food you eat and eat it with joy! Remember too that if you are visiting friends or family while on vacation, it may be healthier overall to dig into whatever is being served rather than make people feel bad that you won’t enjoy the food they’ve prepared for you."

This extends to those possible situations where you find yourself invited to a local’s house for a dinner celebration of a national holiday. Sometimes it’s liberating to give yourself permission to indulge, giving up your previous eating restrictions, if only temporarily or once in a while, in order to connect with locals and enjoy their home-cooked meals!

One more piece of advice regarding food intake comes from Dr Kathi Head, N.D., from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians:

"You can begin to boost your immune system several weeks before you plan to travel. Try taking Vitamin C or increase your dose to 3-5 grams daily if you already take it. Increase vitamin C gradually and take in divided doses with meals. Consume a little less if you experience digestive disturbances. You may also want to take an herb called Echinacea, available in most health food stores. Begin taking it a week or so before your expected date of departure and continue taking it throughout the trip."

As always, check with your own physician about this advice and for other daily diet tips!

6. Personal Hygiene/Cleanliness
When you are in a new environment with new germs, you are susceptible to diseases. You can prevent trouble by washing your hands often.

  • Use hand sanitizer when you can’t get to water, or if there’s no soap around.
  • NEVER use a bar of soap in public places or towel provided!
  • Try not to rub your eyes because this is an entrance for microscopic organisms.
  • Bring travel-sized rolls of toilet paper in case you unexpectedly find yourself in a stall (or outhouse) without it and are in need.
  • In many countries around Latin America, it is strongly requested that you throw used toilet paper into the trashcan rather than throwing it down the toilet to save the plumbing. The only thing I can recommend is to get over it. It’s gross no matter how you look at it; however, it’s part of being a conscientious and sensitive traveler : )
  • Always wear some type of foot covering even at the beach or hot springs. You wouldn’t want to step on a rusty nail or pick up a virus or fungus!

7. Sun Safety
Make sure to bring along sunglasses, facial lotion and makeup with SPF, suntan lotion (don’t forget your ears, nose, lips and scalp!) and hat, preferably one shading your ears and neck. The higher the altitude, the greater your risk for sunburn. More information about care in the sun can be found here.

Remember: UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as on bright, sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow.

If you do get burned, I have found that one of the best remedies for your burn is 100% pure aloe gel. I once fell asleep on the beach in Cancun, Mexico for only 45 minutes and woke up to find a nasty burn from my knees down. My legs were so badly burned that I could not bend my knees nor walk up curbs for days because of the intense swelling and pain. As a kind offer of generosity, my roommate had given me pure aloe gel. After using it for a number of nights, I was amazed that my skin had healed without blistering or even peeling AT ALL! The aloe spray tends to provide only momentary relief of the pain however, the gel, when applied liberally and frequently, provides a fantastic cooling effect as well as promotes quicker healing.

8. Miscellaneous Travel Tips

  • Make sure to drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated even in the winter. According to the medical field, at the point when you become thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.
  • Make time to move your muscles even if it’s just by staying busy or walking while window-shopping. When in a plane, bus or train, try to get up several times to stretch your legs to avoid circulation problems.
  • Bring along healthy snacks for when you just don’t feel like eating anything else.
  • A sense of humor and unlimited patience will help you keep your sense of balance and good attitude while traveling. Remember that a missed meeting or a night spent at the airport in a storm won't be the end of the world, but will make a good story.
  • Approach your trip with a positive attitude, a sense of curiosity and willingness to be delighted by new experiences.
  • More travel-related advice for the road can be found here and here.

And lastly, let your trip be a growing experience...be willing to be pushed beyond your day-to-day comfort zone; however...be smart!

By Sue Lavene

# Posted by michele on Sep 29 | Permalink Comments (14) | TrackBack (22)

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International Travel Packing

How appropriate that I am writing about travel packing. At this very moment I am preparing for my highly anticipated and much needed trip to Portugal with my amazing boyfriend. This is our first time traveling across the big pond together (been together 8 glorious months!). Initially I sensed his worry as he looked and then hoisted my weekend travel bag into the trunk for a visit with his brother and sister-in-law that he would possibly be lugging many suitcases around Portugal. In the past, his worried look would have been 100% justified. Let me put it to you this way: my family and friends would have either laughed hysterically or blinked in absolute and utter bewilderment at the very notion that I would now be giving tips on how not to overpack. I was the classic overpacker, WAS being the operative work here. Some of my friends prior to the "change" bore the brunt of my overpacking, having to carry my bag around several travel destinations taking pity on me; well, maybe they were just sick and tired of me struggling and slowing them down.

I have improved my packing habits, as my business colleague and good friend Margot can attest to. Last summer traveling together on a business trip to France, Italy and Switzerland for two weeks I packed all I needed into a 28" x 20" suitcase and still was prepared for all weather situations and looked stylish day-by-day. It was a liberating experience to be able to move much more freely, with less back and body strain too. So bye-bye to the overloaded suitcase days; my boyfriend is no longer hyperventilating. I must give credit where credit is due. My dear friend and former roommate Anne-Marie enlightened me to the way of packing wisely. She is the expert; she has lived in and out of suitcases for the past few years, moving between places from Holland to Guatemala to Spain to Philadelphia then back to Spain. Now that I have taken her cue: the advice is STICK WITH THE BASICS. Also, it's best to first research the weather. Although unpredictable, you can at the very least get the averages for your particular destination and know what you should definitely bring and what can be left behind. Stick with basic colors when packing pants, skirts and shorts. This way you only need a couple pairs and can toss in some extra tops in different styles and colors to make casual and dressy outfits. Certainly practice makes perfect. The more seasoned traveler has applied this advice for a long time and likely have some advice of their own along with other tips to share. New advice and tips welcomed!

I am all packed now for Portugal, have been since Tuesday, and I am happy to report I have one suitcase that even I can lift and tote around.

On the flip side, there are always some items that you do not want to forget and pack extra of. Here is a list that I have compiled, after asking around the office, of the top 5 "pack extra of this":

  • Individual tissue packets (Will come in handy in many situations including those times where toilet paper is scare or not available!)
  • Batteries (for travel alarm clock, camera, walkman, etc.)
  • Hand sanitizer / Wet wipes
  • Pain Relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol)
  • Socks and underwear
  • Feminine products

Happy travels!

By Beth Klemick
# Posted by michele on Sep 22 | Permalink Comments (30) | TrackBack (24)

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Travel Health - Part 1

More and more people are looking to travel internationally, wanting to experience other cultures on a more genuine level and going "off the beaten path" to do so. Unfortunately, with travel comes more health risks, ranging in severity from mildly annoying and inconvenient to life threatening.

My colleague Beth Klemick gave some helpful tips in “Travel Advice” for how to replace your lost passport and what to do if you get sick, etc. Below is some information as to what you can do before you leave home in hopes of preventing problems from happening on the road.

With some pre-departure planning and precautions along the way, fortunately, most travel-related problems can be prevented. The key is to think about some of these suggestions and how they impact you personally giving special attention to your pre-existing medical conditions.

It is helpful to make an appointment with your physician at least 6-8 weeks prior to your departure to discuss possible health implications of your upcoming trip and to make sure you are as healthy as you can be before leaving the country. It would be a bummer if you "suddenly" developed a cavity that had to be filled while on the road.

Pre-Departure
Let’s face it. It’s very appealing to imagine making last minute plans to "jump on a plane" and get away to some exotic location. Some people thrive on this type of adventure while others strive to plan ahead for their travels. The truth is, you may not be able to stay as healthy and safe while traveling as you could have if you had prepared prior to your departure.

Of course, you cannot possibly prepare for every possible scenario or illness / injury; however, by doing some research ahead of time, you will be able to decrease your chances of running into a problem on your trip. So, let’s take a look at some important ways you can prepare before landing in your destination country.

1. Are immunizations necessary?
We receive many questions from clients as to what immunizations we recommend when traveling to one country or another. There are many schools of thought as to whether or not you should immunize. Some travelers do not take precautions and return home without any problems at all while others wish they had prepared beforehand. This is a great resource with frequently asked questions about immunizing.

Your best bet is to pose this question to your primary care physician / internist, local health department or to a travel medicine practitioner at least 6-8 weeks before you are scheduled to leave home. Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a resource to find your local health department or travel medicine clinic in your area.

Leading up to your doctor’s appointment, you can do some research to be ready to make the most of your time with the doctor. Here are some helpful links to get you started:

One more thing to keep in mind depending on where you are traveling is that you might need to show documentation of vaccination to the customs officials upon entry to their country, such as a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Vaccination Schedule

2. Pack a first aid/medicine kit
Include products specific to your health needs. Some items to consider include:

  • Pepto Bismol
  • Tylenol
  • Anti-diarrheal medicine
  • Bee sting kit (for those with severe reactions to bee stings)
  • Topical antibiotic (for cuts/scrapes)
  • Antibiotics (ask your doctor)
  • Motion sickness medicine
  • Vitamins
  • Bandaids
  • Allergy/cold medication
  • Spare glasses/contacts (with prescription)
  • Travel-sized flashlight
  • Insect repellent
  • Suntan lotion
  • Lip balm
  • Travel-sized toilet paper
  • Your daily medications

Here are some more ideas on what you might want to pack in your kit, according to the CDC.

What to bring along may depend on your destination, length of trip, planned activities/excursions, your own pre-existing medical conditions and type of travel. If you are not sure what you should bring or want to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything, it’s always a good idea to check in with your physician since he/she knows your medical history.

Here are a couple more tips regarding traveling with medications:

  • Make sure you have enough medicine to last your whole trip with some to spare.
  • Keep your medications in their original bottles.
  • You will definitely want to pack your medicine kit in your carry-on luggage in case you need something en route but also if your luggage is lost!
  • Bring duplicate and legible prescriptions of your medications, written with brand and generic names, in case they should be lost or stolen.
  • To avoid possible trouble with customs agents, it is recommended that you bring a letter signed from your doctor for any narcotic medications, including pain medicine, sedatives or tranquilizers.
  • If you have to bring along any special medical equipment such as a CPAP or oxygen machine, it’s a good idea to have your physician (the one who ordered it) write a letter on letterhead explaining your diagnosis, medical reasons for use, his/her name and title, etc for customs officials who may not be familiar with the equipment. And don’t forget to check to see if you need special converter/adapter plugs! A helpful world electricity guide can be found at Kropla.
  • Plan to change your medication schedule to the new time zone (be sure to discuss with your doctor, first!)

If you are pre-disposed to respiratory problems, have asthma or allergies, you might want to talk to your doctor for remedies in case the air aggravates your breathing. In some towns in developing countries like in Central America, because of different or non-existent emissions laws, the pollution is so thick and black sometimes, especially when trailing behind a chicken bus on your way up the mountain on a one road, barely paved highway. Also, due to less oxygen in high altitude locations (like La Paz, Cusco and Quito), volcanic ash/dust particles and other allergens, your breathing can become affected, which can definitely put a damper on your trip.

3. Contact your health insurance provider to see if international medical claims for illness are covered and if special conditions apply.

4. Here’s a great resource for general traveling including tips for traveling with children, pets and people with special needs: CDC

5. Travel Health Online
This great, free site offers lots of traveler education tips including information on country-specific diseases, immunizations, a medicine kit checklist, finding a travel medicine provider in your area for pre-departure advise and lots of related tips to allow you to become an informed traveler! Travel Health Online

You just have to register your name, email address and password, accept the terms & conditions and then activate your access by clicking on the acceptance email that you’ll receive.

6. You might want to leave your specific itinerary along with copies of important paperwork, such as passport, visa, credit card information, travelers checks, insurance paperwork, etc, with one or two trusted family members/friends in case they have to reach you for an emergency or issues that arise at home, etc.

7. Get the address and phone number of the American Embassy in each country you visit. They are a good source for physicians and hospitals abroad.

8. In fact, you might want to register your trip with your embassy before heading out. It’s a pretty simple process and it saves you from locating the embassy while abroad (though that’s always a good idea, anyway!). For American travelers, here’s the link to do just that. U.S. Department of State

9. And lastly, get plenty of rest the night before you leave (of course, if you are all packed!), plan some healthy protein-filled snacks for your day of travel and enjoy the ride!

Be sure to watch for next week’s article on staying healthy while abroad!

By Sue Lavene

# Posted by michele on Sep 21 | Permalink Comments (23) | TrackBack (17)

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Travel Advice

In an ideal world, nothing bad would ever happen while traveling, like getting sick or losing a passport. Ultimately, at some point, somewhere in all our travels a "snafu", small or large, will likely occur. Nobody likes to prepare for the worst. Just as you would research points of interest like museums, restaurants, hotels, etc. of your particular travel destination, it is also best to know for example: where your home country’s embassy/consulate is, how to seek healthcare abroad and what your primary health plan may or may not cover/reimburse for while abroad.

There are two good sources for up-to-date healthcare information prior to traveling and during your travels, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Department of State.

If you are ill-prepared (no pun intended) and do become sick while traveling or participating in an immersion program you can request help from the on-site language school, the hotel staff where you are staying, or even a consular officer in country (*Please note: a consular officer will usually only provide assistance if there is a serious illness or a severe accident to be dealt with.) Since you are not the first person to ever become sick while traveling, they will be familiar with a local clinic or hospital to refer you to, and in the case of the on-site language school staff may even accompany you to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Back in 2001, during a 4 -week stay in Cusco, Peru, I got sick, really sick with a stomach virus of sorts. The mate de cocoa tea and TLC from my host mother unfortunately was not the cure I had hoped for or needed. It was time to see a doctor. Carol, the then-Director of our partner school in Peru accompanied me to a local clinic, not far from my host family. All in all, the experience was similar to a doctor’s visit here in the United States, check-in process and all, and then we waited, and waited, and waited. There was a TV in the lobby; at least there was entertainment, and I could apply my Spanish language listening skills. Several telenovellas later, the doctor was available to see me. After listening and examining my chief complaints he turned to me with a plastic cup and stated to me in English "stool sample" which I fired back "YO NO PUEDO!" Laughter erupted in the exam room and I mustered the strength to do as I was told. Needless to say I survived. The doctor sent me back to my host family with antibiotics. From my experience, be prepared to pay out of pocket for services rendered; you can deal with claim forms and reimbursement once you have returned home. Getting sick or having to receive medical treatment in a foreign country can be a daunting experience; my advice is to remain as calm as possible because even doctors in less developed countries have licenses to practice medicine. Once you are better, your experience might make for some interesting dinner conversation, or in my case, after-dinner conversation.

A good idea prior to traveling is to make two copies of your passport, one to leave at home with your family and/or friends, and one to take along with you on your travels. In the event that your passport is lost or stolen, having a photocopy of your passport in a couple of different known places will save you from more headaches. My advice is to be proactive and take care to secure your passport in a place to avoid theft or losing it upon arrival to your destination after you have cleared immigration/customs. When out and about, carry the photocopy, and lock your passport away in a hotel safe deposit box. If staying with a local family you can lock your passport in your suitcase and store it under your bed. In other words, only carry your passport when it is necessary, for example if you were to cash travelers checks, check into a hotel and so on.

For US citizens, if your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest US Embassy or consulate, for up-to-date and detailed information, please refer to The U.S. Department of State.

Here is a brief synopsis of the process; you will need to complete a new passport application and will be asked the following questions by a consular officer:

  • Your name
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Passport number (if available...will expedite process if you memorize it or have a copy)
  • Date and place where passport was issued
You will also need to complete an affidavit explaining the circumstances under which your passport was lost or stolen (heck, even misplaced!). A police report may not be necessary, but a consular officer can request one if there is suspicion of fraud. After citizenship verification and proof of identity, a replacement passport will be issued.

Procedures to obtain and/or replace a passport will likely vary per country; please contact the appropriate branch of government in your home country for up-to-date information.

For any situation that may arise, it is best to be prepared and informed prior to traveling and, lastly, breathe, stay calm if any "snafu" occurs, and just think that tomorrow will be a better day.

By Beth Klemick

# Posted by michele on Sep 16 | Permalink Comments (34) | TrackBack (52)

« Are Language Skills Enough? | Main | Sprachreisen & Sprachschulen »

Cultural Immersion Abroad - Travel Etiquette

Are You an Obnoxious Tourist? "Who me? Of course not, not in a million years! I've never been on a tour to see 12 countries in 3 1/2 days. Don't even own a loud Hawaiian shirt! Heck, I'm studying their language."

Well, despite being well-intentioned, you may end up "Culturally Maladjusted" and never know it because in Latin America, it is rude to point out people's faults to their faces. The problem lies in assuming that behavior and habits accepted in your country are acceptable in Latin America. We recently conducted a survey of our partner schools to find out how students might unknowingly offend their host families, teachers and others. Here are some tips to follow:

Waste Not Want Not
Latin Americans are astounded at the wastefulness of some students: leaving the lights and TV's on, taking long showers, not eating all the food served and using "all that toilet paper". This is the real reason that in many places low wattage light-bulbs, cold showers, small helpings at meals and no toilet paper are the norm.

Telephone - A Precious & Expensive Commodity
Normally, Latin Americans don't talk on the phone for long periods of time, and you should keep this in mind when you use the phone at your homestay or the school. Your homestay is likely to be a bit paranoid about you using the phone because many families have been left with gigantic phone bills. School administration will also want you to keep it short, so that their lines are not tied up forever. Why not get additional lines? Because it can take up to several years and it can be very expensive.



Shower Regularly
Body odor is just as unpleasant to Latin Americans! Why do you think many homestays provide laundry service?

Keep Your Clothes & Shoes On:
In most Latin American countries it is offensive to be wandering around the homestay "half-naked" or without shoes. Bring a pair of flip-flops or slippers for wearing in the household if you don't feel comfortable in your regular shoes.

You Are The Student, Not The Teacher:
Don't try to teach the class, correct your classmates' mistakes or speak in your native language during class. Here is something to remember: "Why?" is not a valid question for explaining grammatical problems. "How?" is a better question. In language there is usually not an answer to the former, since rules are made to rationalize usage.

Learn Local Politeness!
Lots of niceties and small talk are part of the culture, and it's considered rude if you don't conform - you should greet a person (Buenas Tardes, etc.), even if you see them 20 times a day; say "con permiso" before leaving a room; and MOST IMPORTANT, if your homestay señora says "my house is your house" she does not mean it is OK to raid the refrigerator or bring home overnight guests.

Be Prepared, Attentive and On Time!
Your teacher and other classmates are there to teach and learn, respectively. Do your homework assignments, review your notes, come to class on time and pay attention. Hangovers are never an acceptable excuse for not being prepared, arriving late or falling asleep in class.

Operate Doors Properly:
Sounds pretty simple, but it never ceases to amaze Latin Americans how so many foreigners can only "slam" doors or just never close them.

Your Home Is Different:
Plain and simple, Latin America will be different from your home country. Don't expect it to be the same and don't compare it by telling Latin Americans "this is better in my country".

# Posted by John on Jul 24 | Permalink Comments (28) | TrackBack (58)
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